US and Britain among critics condemning Moscow's support for embattled Syrian regime

The fate of the Middle East is at stake - so says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, commenting on a recent airstrikes in his country by Russian forces.

Assad says the military campaign by Moscow, Syria and its allies will be crucial if the whole region is not to be destroyed.

Bashar al-Assad, Syrian President: "Success should be written for this alliance otherwise we are facing the destruction of the whole region, not just one or two countries and we are sure of this. But the support of some countries for some terrorist organisations will undoubtedly make the price high."

The Syrian leader's words come after Russian jets launched air strikes against what Moscow has identified as Islamic State bases.